Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are a delightful treat that brings comfort and nostalgia to any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast, a brunch gathering with friends, or a festive celebration, these sticky buns are sure to impress. With their soft, sweet dough and gooey caramel topping, they are the perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can whip up these sticky buns without any fuss.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast item, dessert, or snack—these buns fit any time of day.
• Customizable Options: Add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make them uniquely yours.
• Memorable Experience: Baking together with family or friends makes for lasting memories while creating something delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools! Having the right equipment will ensure that your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 13×9 inch baking pan (and optional additional pans)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes it easy to combine ingredients thoroughly without tiring out your arms.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly so that your buns cook uniformly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture in your sticky buns.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 1/2 – 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 packages active-dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (or 1 stick)
• 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten

For the Caramel Topping

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup pecans or your favorite nuts, chopped (more if necessary to cover the bottom of your pan)

For the Filling

• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

How to Make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, using a stand or handheld mixer, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside. In a small saucepan combine milk, water, and butter. Heat gradually until butter melts and mixture is warm. Slowly add the milk mixture to the large bowl with the flour mixture in it. Beat until smooth. Add the egg and enough flour to make a thick batter (about 3 cups). Beat until smooth.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Prepare your work surface with flour and place the batter on top of it. Knead in the remaining flour until an elastic dough forms. You may not need all of the flour. Place the dough inside a well-greased bowl and paint melted butter all over the top. Cover with a clean, damp towel and let it rise until it has almost doubled in size (about 1 hour). Punch down in the middle at about the 40-minute mark.

Step 3: Make Caramel Topping

While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare your caramel topping by combining brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a medium-sized bowl. Using a handheld mixer blend until smooth. Grease a 13×9 inch pan (and another smaller pan if needed), then pour caramel topping inside your prepared pan making sure it covers the bottom completely.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

Punch down in the center of your dough again and divide it into three even pieces. On your floured surface, roll out each piece until it’s about 20 inches by 10 inches. Brush each rectangle with approximately 2 tablespoons melted butter followed by sprinkling with about 3 tablespoons of brown sugar.

Step 5: Add Filling & Shape Buns

In a small bowl combine remaining brown sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each brushed dough rectangle for added flavor. Roll up tightly from one long side into a jelly roll shape. Pinch ends together tightly and cut into one-inch slices.

Step 6: Second Rise & Bake

Place slices into your prepared pan(s), cover again with damp towel for another 45–60 minutes (the dough should double in size). Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Allow cooling in pans for at least five minutes before flipping upside down onto parchment paper so that caramel won’t run off when serving. Serve warm for maximum gooey goodness! Enjoy!

How to Serve Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

These delicious sticky buns are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering, serving them just right can elevate the experience.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Coffee Pairing: Serve with freshly brewed coffee to complement the sweet flavors.
• Fruit Platter: Add freshness with a side of mixed berries or sliced fruits.
• Yogurt: Offer a bowl of yogurt for those who enjoy a creamy contrast to the sticky buns.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream Scoop: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top adds a delightful cold element to the warm buns.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly whipped cream can enhance the sweetness and provide a fluffy texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the warm buns gives an indulgent touch.

For Special Occasions

• Festive Garnishes: Decorate with edible flowers or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation during holidays.
• Customized Toppings: Provide toppings like chopped nuts or fruit preserves so guests can personalize their servings.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Achieving the perfect sticky bun requires attention to detail and love in preparation. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• bold Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date; fresh yeast activates better, leading to fluffier buns.
• bold Knead Properly: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for better texture.
• bold Let It Rise Fully: Allow adequate time for dough rising; this ensures light, airy buns.
• bold Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and brown sugar for richer flavor.
• bold Control Baking Time: Keep an eye on your buns while baking; they should be golden brown but not overcooked.
• bold Serve Warm: Sticky buns taste best when served warm; reheat leftovers slightly in the microwave if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

Pairing your sticky buns with complementary side dishes can create a delightful meal. Here are some great options.

1. bold Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. bold Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, making it a heartier breakfast option.
3. bold Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and are perfect alongside sweet flavors.
4. bold Green Salad: A light green salad offers freshness, especially with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
5. bold Smoothies: Whip up fruity smoothies for a refreshing drink that pairs well with sticky sweetness.
6. bold Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruits gives a wholesome addition to your breakfast spread.
7. bold Pancakes or Waffles: Serve these classics alongside sticky buns for extra indulgence on special occasions.
8. bold Herbal Tea: Offer soothing herbal tea as an alternative beverage option to balance sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you create the best Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Always use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients. A kitchen scale can be very helpful to ensure accuracy.
• Skipping the Dough Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise fully as instructed. Skipping this step can lead to dense buns instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your milk, butter, and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the yeast activation process.
• Overbaking or Underbaking: Keep an eye on your buns while baking. Remove them when they are golden brown to prevent dryness or sogginess.
• Not Preparing the Pan Properly: Make sure to grease the pan well and cover it with pecans or nuts as desired. This will help in getting that perfect sticky finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

• Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place buns on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a bun on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: For a crispy exterior, place buns in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to making gooey caramel sticky buns?

The key lies in the amount of brown sugar and corn syrup used in the topping. The more you use, the stickier and gooier your buns will become.

Can I use different types of nuts for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even no nuts at all based on your preference.

How do I know when my sticky buns are done baking?

They should be a beautiful golden brown color. You can also check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise before refrigerating it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before proceeding with baking.

Are there any variations for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns?

Definitely! You can add raisins, chocolate chips, or even fruit preserves into the filling for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns are not only delicious but also versatile. With their rich caramel topping and soft dough, these buns are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts or fillings for a personal touch!